The 21st century growth story

Lord Nicholas Stern launches his new book, The Growth Story of the 21st Century: The Economics and Opportunity of Climate Action. The talk will be followed by a 30-minute audience Q&A.

The world stands at a crossroads. The next decade will determine whether we avoid climate, biodiversity, and economic catastrophe – or unlock a new era of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive growth.

Marking the launch of The Growth Story of the 21st Century: The Economics and Opportunity of Climate Action, published open access by LSE Press, Nicholas Stern will challenge the outdated idea that we must choose between climate action and development. Drawing on economics, finance, policy, politics, and behavioural science, Lord Stern will explore why this transformation is essential, what it entails, and how we can achieve it.

Lord Stern will present a story of optimism – about how investment and rapid technological advances, including digitisation and AI, can drive change at scale. But he will not shy away from the immense challenges ahead. With clear and practical strategies for national and international action, he will call on leaders, businesses, and individuals alike, ahead of the COP30 United Nations climate change summit in Brazil in November 2025, to take the future in our hands, and recognise that delay is the riskiest option of all.

Nicholas Stern, IG Patel Chair of Economics and Government and the inaugural Chair of the Global School of Sustainability at LSE.

All welcome

Those interested in climate action and fostering a new era of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive growth

Online registration is open. To attend in person, you can request one ticket via the online ticket request form until all tickets are allocated. For any queries, email events@lse.ac.uk.